Area Catholics weigh in on what they want in new pope

Will the next leader of the world's 1.2 billion Catholics bring more of the same or is it time for a change?

As Central Massachusetts Catholics last week observed the beginning of Lent, the six weeks leading to Easter, they grappled with the unexpected announcement last Monday of Pope Benedict XVI's plan to resign at the end of the month, and the implication for the church's future.

“I'm just as surprised as anyone else. I didn't think popes could retire,” said Pat Olsen of Rutland, on her way to Ash Wednesday Mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul in Worcester.

Pope Benedict's resignation will be the first voluntary departure from the seat since Pope Gregory XII resigned in 1415.

The pope, 85, said he was stepping down because his “advanced age” has left him unable to carry out his duties, which have included extensive travel.

Many local parishioners commented on their respect for Pope Benedict's assessment of his capabilities and his courage to resign.

In looking toward the next leader, views ranged from a desire to carry on in the same vein as Pope Benedict and his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, to wanting to reach out more to youth and being open to ordaining women, gays and married priests.

Ms. Olsen said, “We hope that they choose somebody who would be progressive and responsive to the needs of the younger generation.”

Rommy Medrano of Worcester, a Dominican Republic native who attends St. Paul's, said she wished the new pope would move the church in a positive direction, moving beyond the specter of the worldwide sex abuse crisis to focus on the good work the church does.

A parent coach at YOU Inc., Ms. Rommy stressed the need for religion in family life.

“Unfortunately, a lot of families don't really believe that God is important. They don't go to church,” she said.

Although she can't discuss religion with families she works with, she said, “It's important that we teach our kids how important it is, religion in general.”

Greg Pike of Auburn also said he was hopeful that the next pope would bring a brighter chapter to the church.

“He (Pope Benedict) was actually a great guy. I think it's good to see he's at an age … to let someone in who might see more of the commotions we've had over here in the U.S.,” Mr. Pike said. “I'm sure the person that gets chosen will have a good futuristic view.”

Others outside St. Paul's spoke of the pope's prominent leadership and would like to see that continue.

“He's the holy of holies,” said Cathy Parker of Leominster. “I would expect him (the next pope) to be a truly revered man in his faith.”

Mike Clark of Holden, walking into Mass with family members, said, “I'd like to see the same type of pope: conservative.”

At Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Hopedale, retired volunteers took a break from their work in the thrift shop to talk about the papal transition.

“God bless him, because he recognizes his health and his mental capacity … may affect his ability to make decisions and might be damaging the church,” said Marie Rogers of Milford. “He's a brilliant man. I admire the courage to do this. I hope the next one's got the brain power that this one has.”

She added: “If it's an American one, that would be wonderful. But God's will be done.”

Chris Beggs of Milford said: “The pope has had a lot to contend with, with all the sexual abuse going on … Anyone who becomes pope will have to handle that. That takes a lot of stress.

“I think he (the next pope) should be younger so he can relate to the younger people who have fallen away from the church.”

Ms. Beggs and Joyce Gorman of Hopedale said that the church would someday have to address the issue of ordaining female priests, letting priests marry and being more accepting of gays. They didn't think these points of contention would be resolved soon, however.

Ms. Gorman said that being more inclusive would help address the increasing shortage of priests. “If there were women or married or gay priests, that would help,” she said.

Retired Sacred Heart Deacon Roland Michaud saw the impending change as an opportunity for “God to bless us with a pope who's got the strength and vision for where the world is today.”

Just as Pope John Paul II was considered an influential leader in an era that saw the fall of Communism in Europe, Mr. Michaud said: “Now, times are a little different and we need a pope that's right for the time. And I think that's what we'll get.

“I think of our God as a God of surprises. I'll expect God to work through him (the new pope) and provide what's needed for the church and the world.”

One change facing Catholics is the worldwide demographic shift in their faith to developing countries. According to the Population Reference Bureau, more than two-thirds of Catholics live in the developing world and population projections indicate that proportion will grow to three-fourths in the next four decades.

Meanwhile, Europe will experience a 6 percent decline in its Catholic population between 2004 and 2050.

Heading to Ash Wednesday Mass at St. Luke the Evangelist in Westboro, Arturo Hurtado, who came to Westboro from Mexico, said he hoped the new pope would “do a little more for the Latin people and do a little more for the African people — the poor people.”

He also said he would like to see a younger person as pope, since Pope Benedict said he was resigning because of his age and health.

But one young person going to Mass, Jack Chuma, 16, of Westboro, said, “When you think of a pope, you think of someone old and wise.”

Another teenager looking to the future of the church, 17-year-old Cody Mulverhill of Sutton, said, “I think the world needs someone who could bring the youth in.” Cody serves as a Eucharistic minister at St. Mark's Parish in Sutton and teaches in the youth group.

“It seems like it's not cool for teens to be involved in religion these days,” he said.

The problem could be addressed, he said, “If we could put technology in and get it to the point where the Catholic Church isn't just going to Mass every weekend.”

Cody also thought that, down the road, it would be appropriate to ordain female priests or change policies on issues like the prohibition of artificial birth control. “But I don't think it should happen all at once,” he said.

Support still remains for upholding the rituals, beliefs and traditions that have guided the Roman Catholic Church for 2,000 years.

Rev. David Galonek, priest at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish serving West Brookfield and Brookfield, said the pope should follow “the consistent teaching of Christ.” He hoped for “continuity, unity and peace: being faithful to what's been handed down.”

The priest praised Pope Benedict's courage to put the interest of the church before his own and said he was looking for the new pope to hold a steady course.

He saw Pope Benedict's resignation and the upcoming gathering of the College of Cardinals, who will elect the new pope, as the work of Jesus, the Good Shepherd, watching out for his flock.

Rev. Galonek said, “I think now we're in a period of praying and discerning and we're waiting for the Holy Spirit to act.”

Contact Susan Spencer at susan.spencer@telegram.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanSpencerTG.